Manchester United Transfer News: Juventus Lead United for Fernando Llorente

Italian champions Juventus have reportedly pulled ahead in the race for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who is also a target for Manchester United over the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils were believed to be in a race with Juve for the 27-year-old's services after it was reported via ESPN Soccernet that he would not resign a contract with his current club whilst Marcelo Biesla is still the manager.

But according to the latest developments, the Premier League side face a tough battle to secure the €20 million-rated striker after Juventus confirmed they are currently in negotiations with Bilbao regarding Llorente.

Per ESPN Soccernet:

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Juventus have confirmed that they are in negotiations with Athletic Bilbao over the transfer of Fernando Llorente.

Juve are believed to be willing to pay around €20 million for the Spain striker, but director general Beppe Marotta says talks have been difficult.

"We are negotiating to bring Llorente here, but it's not an easy process because Athletic don't want to sell him," Marotta told Tuttosport.

AS reports that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Llorente but that the player is seeking Champions League football.

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With Manchester United also interested in signing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, they may have to make a decision about who to pursue over the remainder of the summer transfer window. The English Premier League season is less than a week away—meaning that time is of the essence to complete these potential deals.

The Red Devils could use another striker for the season with the departure of Michael Owen and the possible sale of Dimitar Berbatov, but it seems that they must choose as to whom they are going to pursue more intentionally—Llorente or Van Persie.

They face a fight from Juventus for Llorente and they face a fight from Arsenal for Van Persie—and if they're not more proactive this summer, could well fall behind in both possible transfers and end up with neither star striker for the upcoming Premier League season.

Should Manchester United step up their chase for Fernando Llorente?

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